Functional mapping of brain activation in diabetic rats detected by manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging

Objective To detect the functional activity changes in the brains of type I diabetic rat models by using manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and determine the brain regions with abnormal function activities. Methods Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: diabetes group (n=24) and control group (n=12). The diabetes rat models were constructed by streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) injection; and the changes of fasting blood glucose level and body weight were measured to estimate whether the model was successfully constructed. Functional activity mapping of the brains by manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and voxel-wise t-test was applied to statistically analyze the brain regions with abnormal function activities in diabetic rats. Results Diabetic rat models were successfully constructed; there were some regions, including somatosensory cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, inferior olive and olfactory tubercle, had significantly enhanced activities as compared with those in normal rats (P<0.05). Meanwhile, regions with significantly suppressed intensity, such as primary motor cortex, secondary motor cortex and visual cortex, were also found as compared with those in the normal rats (P<0.05). Conclusion Some brain areas in the diabetic rats have abnormal functional activities detected by manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, which may be an important implication of relevant structural or pathological changes in the brain of diabetic rats. Key words: Diabetes; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Manganese abnormal function activity; Central nervous system